Just like the city staff who have no time for downtown planning, zoning code rewrite and other important projects due to the Edgewater project, I too, apparently got distracted last week and have to make up for a few things . . .
RATING CHILDCARE
Hopefully this is good news for Madison, with our child care accreditation program and support in Madison, hopefully our centers rank high. And hopefully we can help those who do not.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS APPROACH TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
$12.2M for economic development in Dane County and no one wants it?
With the credit market so tight, you might think companies wanting to expand in Madison would jump at the chance to borrow millions of dollars at a low interest rate.
But so far, none has emerged to claim a share of the $12.2 million in local bonds available under last year’s federal stimulus bill, which authorized $15 billion in new tax-exempt bonds for the private sector to stimulate job creation.
So the state drafts legislation to reclaim it, at which point, our Economic Development Director finally notices and decides to get the word out?
Tim Cooley, Madison’s economic development director, said the city put out word last week to companies – including Hammes Co., developer for the proposed Edgewate — hotel project — to see if anyone was interested in Madison’s allocation. So far no one has expressed interest.
“It’s a low point in the (economic) cycle and there might not be projects out there,” Cooley said. “I don’t think we dropped the ball on anything here. It’s just there were no businesses or developers in Madison who wanted to take advantage of these.”
Didn’t drop the ball? You gotta be freaking kidding me. What are they doing in that office?
MORE UNWANTED MONEY
Last week the Economic Development Commission made recommendations to help use our over $1M in BREWD (Brownfield Remediation) funding because that, too, has gone unused. They changed the rules to make the money grants not loans, but there is a job guarantee and a claw back if the jobs aren’t created.
CDBG & TIF AS TOOLS?
Why do we have two tools sitting here unused and at the same time a rush to use CDBG funding already funding various programs and to change the rules to make TIF money more available? What’s wrong with this picture? And how could there be money for job creation in our community that isn’t being used and that isn’t the top priority? Is this another issue of the Edgewater taking up too much staff time to attend to other issues?
TOP TWENTY BASE SALARIES FOR THE CITY OF MADISON
I wonder how many people looked at that list and saw what I saw? Only 5 of 20 are women. That’s 25%. 4 of them are from the city attorney’s office. The other being the Fire Chief. Of our top paid department heads, only one is a woman. I’m guessing most of the women in the city attorney’s office were hired when Eunice (a woman) Gibson was our city attorney, but I don’t know how to fact check that easily. Ladies, it a man’s city. It shows more and more every day.
WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
And its worse. When looking at who the people were who actually got paid the most, there are only 3 women in the top 20. That’s 15%.
DON’T WORRY, I’M NOT IGNORING THE FACT THAT THE BUS DRIVERS ARE PAID THE HIGHEST
I wonder how much of this had to do with unintended consequences with the hiring freeze. Usually this type of overtime in Metro has to do with not having enough employees driving the overtime. I thought we had this under control, but I guess I’m not surprised to see it given what’s been going on at the city and the Mayor’s proclivity to make decisions based upon what looks good in the press, not the long term ramifications of them.
CONDO MARKET ICE COLD
I started to read the article and it said that it only took 573 days to sell a condo and I immediately thought, that’s a huge improvement! Well, still unacceptable, but better than the numbers I was remembering of 677 days in 2008. That cut three months off the sales time! A small victory. Tho, they said the more affordable units were selling better than the high end ones. I still think that is because people who buy high end condos don’t want a “used” condo, they want the latest and greatest.
LET THE COUNTER OFFENSIVE BEGIN
Calling the Supreme Court ruling on corporate spending “the mother of all demonstrations of judicial activism” perpetrated not by the wacky liberals, but by the conservatives, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is urging us to not take it lying down. Even tho they note that “Broadcast industry experts predict the ruling will mean an extra $300 million spent on TV ads in 2010.” they mention several ways it can be addressed. And, is there going to be a march at the Capital that should be of interest.
A coalition of democracy reform groups is organizing a public protest of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on election financing for Tuesday, February 16, starting at noon with a rally at the State Capitol followed by a march to the nearby federal courthouse.
Citizens United Against Citizens United – Groups involved in organizing the March to Overrule the Court include the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Center for Media and Democracy, Liberty Tree Foundation and the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, in coordination with MovetoAmend.org.
SCHOOL BOARD WEEK AHEAD
I do the City and County week ahead. TJ at AMPS does the School Board, well, at least he started, this is his second one. Thumbs up to TJ, I know they are some of my more frequently read posts! People appreciate the information.
JOURNALIST?
Thanks to the Sconz for noting the narrow definition of “journalist” in the CCAP (state court records) legislation.
IF FITCHBURG CAN, WHY CAN’T MADISON?
Y’all thought we were recycling leaders didn’t you. Well, think again, Fitchburg is doing better than us. Before I even opened the story to read it, I knew the excuse was going to be “markets”. How is it Fitchburg can find places to sell its recyclables and Madison can’t?
NEWSPAPERS STILL IMPORTANT FOR LOCAL NEWS
People look to television for state and national news. So, why have the papers cut back so drastically on the local news? It seems as tho they are slitting their own throats. Or at least giving themselves paper cuts. I really don’t get it. I do admit tho, every time I actually see a newspaper, I’m kind of horrified at how thin they have gotten. I read them, I just read them on line. And I think that is a trend, so they need to find out how to sell advertising there to keep their industry alive. IMHO.
THIS GUY KNOWS BEING A WOMAN NOT A FACTOR
I wish he could walk a day in their shoes. It is a factor and likely not as far down on the list as he thinks.
ITS ABOUT FREAKING TIME
If you live or work near a place where these snow plowing contractors participate in the practice of dumping their snow in the street or sidewalks of others, this can’t come soon enough! And as someone who helps hire contractors to remove snow for our workplace, we’d happily pay the fine and speak with our contractors if they are out of line. It’s just being a good neighbor and if they did it, we’d be embarrassed. We shouldn’t need a law for this, unfortunately, we do. I wanted to do this before, but got resistance from staff, I’m glad Rummel hung in there and got them to finally support it!
FOR THE CATHOLIC READERS
At risk of inciting Mad Catholic, I thought this might be of interest:
This is a message to all Catholics in support of comprehensive immigration reform. Just in case the Catholic Diocese in your area has decided not to participate in this “Justice for Immigrants” (justicia para inmigrantes) campaign, you can read about it below and click on the www.justiceforimmigrants.org link below to express your views and pass it on to your parish priest.
IMMIGRATION PROSECUTIONS UP, OTHER CRIME PROSECUTIONS DOWN
New Data on Federal Court Prosecutions Reveal
Non-Violent Immigration Prosecutions Up,
Organized Crime, Drugs and Weapons Charges DownFebruary 4, 2010
Washington D.C. – The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) and Warren Institute at the University of California at Berkeley recently released reports highlighting the dramatic increase in federal immigration prosecutions and the link to Operation Streamline, a DHS program which mandates federal criminal prosecution of all persons caught crossing the border unlawfully.
The Warren Institute report highlights the impact of Operation Streamline on immigration enforcement and the TRAC report shows that federal immigration prosecutions rose to record levels during fiscal year 2009 and how a shift in priorities has created the largest number of federal immigration prosecutions of non-violent border crossers ever. The trade-off is while the federal government spends billions of dollars prosecuting non-violent immigration violators, more serious criminals involved in drugs, weapons, and organized crime face a lower probability of prosecution.
To read the IPC fact sheet highlighting data from both reports see:
* New Data on Federal Court Prosecutions Reveal Non-Violent Immigration Prosecutions Up, Organized Crime, Drugs and Weapons Charges Down (IPC Fact Check, February 4, 2010)
EDGEWATER ODDS AND ENDS
All that clapping
I missed it, but apparently at the “neighborhood meeting” on the Edgewater, the personwho started off all the clapping in support of the project was the PR person for the project . . . ’nuff said.
Changes not likely vs. Taking 2 stories off the building?
Which is it? And what does Maniaci mean when she says:
Ald. Bridget Maniaci, who has supported the project that falls in her district, said in all likelihood no more floors will come off the building in making it smaller.
“I think there’s enough support to allow it to happen,” Maniaci said after the meeting. “There’s a will, so as a city we’ll find a way.”
Did everyone else feel someone tugging on their wallet as our taxes go up to support that will?
WHAT DOES HISTORIC MEAN?
Mon, Feb 8, 7-9 pm.
Madison Trust for Historic Preservation
Workshop: Historic Designation, What does it mean?
Goodman Center, 149 Waubesa St.What Does “Historic” Mean?
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 – Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St. Madison
http://www.madisontrust.org/events/index.htmlHave you wondered what it means if your home is historic, located in a Madison historic district, listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? What does all that mean?
This program will explain the processes for local, state, and national designation, the meaning of designation, and dispel the common myths that discourage owners from listing their homes. Trust Executive Director Jason Tish will discuss local designation and Wisconsin’s National Register Coordinator Daina Penkiunas will explain how to be individually listed or part of a National Register Historic District.
The event is open to the public, and the cost is $10, payable at the door. For more information, call 608-441-8864.
The Madison Trust’s 2010 workshop series is sponsored by Home Savings Bank.
A workshop about homeowner’s tax credits will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Goodman Atwood Center. Jim Sewell, former senior preservation architect at the Wisconsin Historical Society, will explain one of the advantages of listing in the State or National Registers of Historic Places — eligibility for a 25 percent state income tax credit for repair and rehabilitation work. Workshop participants will learn how to qualify for this program that helps preserve houses and pocketbooks.
The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit organization that helps preserve the architectural and historical heritage of the greater Madison area through advocacy and education. Preservation field services provided by the Madison Trust are assisted by a Partners in the Field challenge grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
http://www.madionstrust.org
CLEAN ENERGY JOBS ACT
From the Sierra Club through the Madison Area Bus Advocates listserve:
The Clean Energy Jobs Act (SB 450/ AB 649) is a vital bill based on the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force recommendations that aims to reduce the threat of climate change and revitalize Wisconsin’s economy. As you know, transportation accounts for about 24% of Wisconsin’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Energy Jobs Act contains transportation policies that will improve fuel and vehicle efficiency, such as enacting California car standards, low carbon fuel standards and freight truck anti-idling restrictions. Even more importantly, it will help promote multi-modal transportation systems and reduce vehicle miles traveled by requiring Wisconsin’s 14 Metropolitan Planning Organizations to implement greenhouse gas reduction plans in order to access transportation funds; by requiring greenhouse gas evaluations for all WisDOT projects that require an EIS or EA; by rewarding compact development in planning grant decisions; and by creating a model parking ordinance.
The Select Committee on Clean Energy (made up of Senators Miller, Plale, Jauch, Wirch, Hansen, Kanavas, Grothman & Lazich) is holding a Public Hearing on the Clean Energy Jobs Act’s (SB 450) transportation policies (Topics: Vehicles; Fuels; Planning; Transportation Infrastructure; Energy Efficient Buildings and Equipment; Bioenergy) on Wednesday, February 10th, 10:00 am, 412 East, State Capitol. Petroleum lobbyists, trucking companies, road builders and others are working hard to oppose and weaken transportation policies in the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Please speak out at this critical hearing, and please urge members of your organizations to stop by and register in support of SB 450, The Clean Energy Jobs Act.
For more information, see here and you can take action on-line here.
BETTER INFO ON IMMIGRATION PUBLIC HEARINGS
February 5, 2010
Immigration Task Force Committee
Dane County Board of SupervisorsDear Community Agencies:
In May of 2009, the Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 14, 09-10 to create a task force charged with examining issues related to immigration and access to County services. The specific task force duties are the following:
· Insure that Dane County complies with the federal requirements of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
· Improve relations between Dane County law enforcement and the immigrant community; and
· Work with the National Association of Counties to identify examples from other counties throughout the country regarding approaches to improve relations between the criminal justice system and the immigrant communityThe Task Force is composed of nine members representing a range of community interests including members of the immigrant community and faith community, as well as representatives of the criminal justice system, schools, and public health, all appointed by the County Board Chair.
As part of its work, the Task Force is interested in hearing first-hand testimony from members of the community on the question: What barriers do you have that prevent you from obtaining services through the county, such as:
* Obtaining assistance related to employment issues or benefits
* Obtaining social services including health benefits and Medical Assistance
* Requesting assistance from the Dane County Sheriff’s DepartmentThe Task Force will hold listening sessions to obtain testimony on this matter:
Wednesday, 2/10/10 from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. at the Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St., Madison.
Monday, 2/15/10 from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave., Middleton.
Monday, 3/10/10 from 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. at the Stoughton Firestation, 401 E. Main St., Stoughton.
Please assist us by encouraging and assisting members of the community to attend this meeting. Further information regarding future meetings and locations will be provided at a later date.
VOLUNTEERS WILL PROVIDE INTERPRETER SERVICES
For further information, please contact Assistant Corporation Counsel Carlos Pabellon at 266-1394.
SPROUTING ARTISTS AT DRUMLIN GARDENS
“Sprouting Artists at Drumlin Gardens”
Art Opening Event
Sunday, February 7th from 6-8 PM
Mother Fool’s, 1101 Williamson Street in MadisonThis opening will feature art for and by gardeners and citizens working to save Drumlin Farm from commercial development. In addition, from the roots of Veracruz, Mexico and the influence of Chicano activism in California, Son Mudanza was created to disseminate culture as a form of resistance and will play at this opening. They are deeply influenced and trained by Son del Centro, a Chicano son group, dedicating its efforts to activism through Son Jarocho music. Check out: http://www.myspace.com/sonmudanza
The last of the Drumlin Dragon pesto will be available at this event in addition to jars of salsa prepared by the Drumlin Farm Cooperative. Video documentary about Drumlin by Luciano, of Brazen Video Productions, 249-8428, luciano@brazenvideoproductions.com.
Schedule:
6-6:15 PM: Welcome and two songs by Thistle and the Thorn (bass player Jordan Henry)
6:15-6:30 Look around at the show and eat salsa made by Drumlin Producers Co-op
6:30-6:45 Son Mudanza
6:45-7:15 video
7:15-7:30 Look around the show
7:30-7:45: Gardeners give testimonials
7:45 -8: Son Mudanza
DISCUSSION ON RACE IN WISCONSIN
Join a Discussion on Race and Shifting Demographics at a Special Academy Evenings Event on February 16 @ MMoCA in Madison
With an African American president and Latina supreme court justice, it would seem that America is on its way to becoming a more pluralistic place. But what about here in Wisconsin, where minorities today comprise 15% of the state population? While this is not a large number (compared to the rest of the U.S. our state ranks 39th, well down the list), demographic projections tell us that not only will the next U.S. generation be larger—growing from 300 to about 440 million people—but it will also be more racially and ethnically diverse. A recent U.S. Census Bureau report indicates that the state’s Hispanic population is growing at 4% faster than the national rate, yet Latinos represent only 5.1% of Wisconsin’s total population; African Americans represent 6.2%, yet over 75% of this population lives in Milwaukee County. So, how diverse are we, really, and how will living in a more pluralistic society affect us?
University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers and Academy Evenings panel participants Katherine Cramer Walsh, Michael Thornton, and Lynet Uttal, along with moderator Emily Auerbach, will explore our shifting demographics and changing attitudes in the “Wisconsin 2050: Pioneering the Future” presentation, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: The Nature of Tolerance in 2050. This free, public discussion forum will be held on Tuesday, February 16, from 7:00–8:30 pm at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Lecture Hall, 221 State Street, Madison. Seating is first-come, first served. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
The “Wisconsin 2050: Pioneering the Future” Academy Evenings series is sponsored by the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Wisconsin–Madison, M&I Bank, the Evjue Foundation, and Isthmus Publishing Company.
About Academy Evenings
Academy Evenings engage the public in a wide variety of topics of public interest and feature Wisconsin’s leading thinkers, scholars, and artists. These free forums are intended to encourage public interaction with these leaders in an intimate atmosphere designed to foster discussion and build community. The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters sponsors Academy Evenings regularly in Overture Center for the Arts in Madison and at other venues across the state. For more information on Academy Evenings in your area, visit www.wisconsinacademy.org
Ok, I’m not done, but that’s enough for now, tomorrow’s round up may very well include some items from last week, as I got a bit behind and have MANY items left in my “round up” folder.
